Hen party ideas for the bride less conventional

I recently had to throw a bachelorette party for my rather sophisticated friend. Half British, half Italian; this woman is the epitome of understated style.

She holidays on the French Riviera, she lives in black, so I was pretty convinced that penis straws and bride-to-be sashes were not going to cut the mustard.

But trying to find hen's do ideas that don't involve everyone wearing giant inflatable penises all night as do shots off a male strippe's body was trickier than I anticipated.

Not that there's anything wrong with giant inflatable penises. Each to their own. But if your hen of choice requires something a little less conventional, I've got the ideas for you.

Girl time (without the male strippers)

For some, the excuse to get some highly oiled, ripped dudes dance all over them is a dream come true. But for others, the idea alone is enough to make them want to vom. Why not throw an old school sleepover, complete with cosy jammies, movies, popcorn, but with the added adult benefit of booze. Throw in a few old school games like Twister and you're all set.

Plan a scavenger hunt

The more elaborate the better. Especially those that involve talking to strangers, moving across town and putting each other slightly out of your comfort zone.

Make a bucket list

Similar to the scavenger hunt but can be performed at just one location if needs be. Bucket list ideas include everything from getting an item of clothing from a stranger to performing a dance off with someone else.

Get into the great outdoors

Massive hike + friends = beautiful views, photo opps and plenty of chance to talk to the awesome ladies in your life. Turn it into a camping trip for a real back to nature vibe and a chance to properly connect.

Whether you want to learn to kickbox or perhaps trapeze is more your thing - get that blood flowing and learn something in the process.

Have a poker night

Think poker is just for the boys? Incorrect. Have a little tutorial session and then get down to some gambling.

Do crafts

Having a DIY wedding? Why not kill two birds with one stone and get your bachelorettes into crafting something for your wedding. Provide the wine, and the creativity will flow...

Go to a festival

With the amount you spend on a hen's do anyway, you might as well take in some cool music, crazy costumes and head to a festival.

Give back

There are always ways you can give back to your local community. Why not help with a beach clean up before a slap up meal? Or head to a soup kitchen? It's a way a whole gang of you can spend a day together doing something good, and it comes without the morning after headache.